“What are you doing?”Niall asked.His words were cool, with little expression.
“I’m going to pack.My family needs me.”
“But you were going to help me,” Niall said.
Suzie froze, not liking his defensive and slightly surly tone.Surely, he must understand she had to leave.It wasn’t as if he couldn’t cope without her.“I’m sorry, but I must go.You have a plan.It’s a solid one, and I’m positive you’ll catch your honey thief.”
Suzie finished dressing and scanned the room for any other possessions.Ah, her shopping.She scooped up the bags and turned to Niall.“I’m sorry, but I have to leave.”
“Fine,” Niall said, sitting on the edge of the bed now, his large body taut with tension.
Suzie hesitated, wanting to go to him, kiss him goodbye, and wish him good luck.But Niall radiated anger and impatience, so she kept her distance.“Bye, Niall.”
He didn’t reply, and she blinked hard to hold back the burn of tears.Right then.A blast of anger propelled her to the door.He was acting like a petulant child—just like he had earlier when he’d jumped to conclusions.Where was the trust?The understanding?Her family needed her at home, and she wanted to support them.It wasn’t her fault Niall allowed his childhood to color his reactions.She lifted her chin, allowing herself one last look at the man who’d come to mean everything to her.It was apparent he didn’t feel quite the same way, and it hurt, damn it.
Suzie dragged her gaze away and yanked the door open.Her steps were jerky as she walked away, and maintaining composure was one of the toughest challenges she had ever faced.
The snick of the door closing behind her was a final blow because she hadn’t closed it.
Niall had.
21
I'm An Idiot
“Where’sSuzie?”Liamaskedas he and Scott arrived in the breakfast room.A silent Angus strode after them with a fresh pot of coffee.
Niall grunted and continued eating his breakfast.She’d left him.His bear released an unhappy chuff, the dejected sound audible.He spotted the look Liam and Scott exchanged, and that irritated him.She’d left him, and it shouldn’t be a surprise.
His bear emitted a pitiful moan next.Niall clenched his knife and fork harder and kept devouring his breakfast, even though he was no longer hungry.Or happy.His gut was already telling him he’d screwed up spectacularly.
Angus murmured something to Liam and Scott, no doubt telling them that Suzie had gone home.
Liam slipped into the chair beside Niall while Scott took the one opposite.
“Suzie is close to her family,” Liam said.“She’s the oldest, and her siblings look up to her.Are her parents going to be okay?”
“She told me the prognosis was good for both parents, but she felt that they and her brother and sisters required her support,” Angus said from where he hovered at the doorway.His expression was full of disapproval and disappointment.
“She left me,” Niall snapped, his anger aimed more at himself now.His lack of empathy hadn’t helped.He hadn’t behaved like a friend or a mate, dammit.Aw, hell.He glanced up to see judgment and censure, an attitude he deserved.
Scott goggled at him, his mouth dropping open.“Her family needed her.Suzie has a big heart.Of course, she’d go home early.”
Liam scowled at him.“Suzie loves you, you great big dunderhead.”
“Niall thinks all families are traitorous and after everything they can get,” Angus said, nailing Niall with a glare.“He doesn’t understand not all are like his.Love and care are common in most families.”
“Suzie is your mate,” Scott said.“Of course, she cares for you, but you put her in an awkward situation.You demanded she stay and forced her to choose.”
Liam reached for a piece of toast.“Scott, don’t be too hard on Niall.You have a decent family who care for you.Not everyone has families like you and Suzie.Mine treat me like crap and screw with my head.Jerk with my emotions.His brothers have been messing with him.It’s no wonder he’s not thinking straight.”Liam focused on Niall.“Don’t be an idiot and let Suzie leave.She’s worth fighting for.Think of it this way.With Suzie, you get a mate with an enormous heart.You have her loyalty, and she’d bite off her hand rather than hurt you.Not only do you win Suzie, but you gain a family and a large circle of friends.You’ll have found a family who’ll welcome you because you’re with Suzie.”
Scott nodded.“We should wrap up your problem with your honey and return to Middlemarch together.You come with us, go to Suzie, and beg her forgiveness.Honestly, if you don’t, you’re dumber than I thought.This mistake is fixable, but you should buy her a present and grovel big time.”
“Suzie is worth the effort,” Angus added, his tone full of approval for her while he glowered at Niall.
Mine!Mine!Mine!
“Thanks.”Niall set his knife and fork across the middle of his plate and tried to block out his bear.He was only partially successful.He’d try to call Suzie.Apologize.
